Monday, May 4, 2009

JRR Petition



Sign the JRR 2 Festival petition!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Page 011

I had a random thought yesterday about elitism in jrock.

What if (some) people's elitism is only a disguise for annooyance at stupidity?  

Take Versailles for example.  There are a lot of Kamijo, Hizaki, Teru, and Jasmine You fans that were excited for Versailles even before the band debuted.  Why?  Because they knew what kind of image and music they would produce since they were fans for so long of their previous bands and projects.  After they debuted, all of a sudden there are a new wave of fans, many of which doubted Versailles' ability soley on their glamorous image (which is justifiable), going "OMGVERSAILLESISSOAWESOMETHEYREMYNEWFAVORITEBAND <3333"

Now, the older fans (older in fandom, not in age) get kind of peeved and exhibit elitist behavior.  'VERSAILLESISMINEYOUSUCKGTFO".  Couldn't it be that they're just ticked that you weren't 'smart' enough to notice their awesomeness before?

The same could apply to a Japanese brand.

Sweet lolita wasn't always as popular as it is now.  Back in the day gothic lolita was where it was at.  At that time Baby, the Stars Shine Bright sold mostly gothic lolita clothes!  But ever since the sweet lolita 'boom' happened, people who would dress gothic lolita, classic lolita, gothic punk, what have you, went "OMGTHISISSOCUTEITSMYNEWFAVORITESTYLENOW".  The lolitas who had been wearing sweet lolita for years were most likely going "Ew gtfo my sweets" when they were just miffed that you hadn't noticed the greatness that is sweet lolita ages ago.  Thank Angelic Pretty for this.

On a random but slightly related note, I predict a boom in classic lolita now!  The Gothic & Lolita Bible is doing more features using classic lolita instead of sweet lolita now.  This should be really interested.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Page 010

I haven't had much to talk about here until now. This is something that has been kind of bothering me recently.

The issue of wearing lolita (or expensive brands in general) to concerts.

Many people seem to have a problem with it because those wearing it complain about the 'rowdy-ness' of others who are ruining their clothes. They don't understand why people wear it to a concert where they know everyone will get all sweaty and squished together.

Why do people wear these nice clothes in the first place to concerts? They have different reasons. Some want to show off their money and/or style or think it's cool just because Japanese fans do it. Why do the Japanese fans do it? Because they can. They can because concert audiences are a bit different there.

Most concerts that aren't all standing are done by ticket number, meaning everyone has their own seat/standing area. For concerts that are all standing, everyone pretty much stands in their own space bubble. NO ONE tries to push to the front. NO ONE rushes to the stage. Sure, the concerts for the heavier bands can get pretty crazy, but still everyone respects other people's spaces. Naturally there are exceptions, but they are typically far and few between.

Due to this fact, people can dress up to the nines and can come back out still looking awesome and be intact. Of course they get a little sweaty and their hair might look a bit disheveled if they were head banging, but no tears or smeared makeup in sight.

If you don't believe me, I have seen it first hand. I have EXPERIENCED it first hand. I went to a Moi dix Mois concert and many people in the pit area were dressed up in EGA/EGL and a couple were even cosplaying. None of them moved out of their general area and everyone came out without a scratch.

So if you're going to a concert in a Western country all dressed up, unless it has assigned seating, expect to get rough and covered in sweat other than your own. Feel free to dress up, but don't complain if you're bow gets caught somewhere or your rocking horse shoes get stepped all over.

P.S. Something that was just pointed out to me...this complaining about dressing up situation isn't really an issue here in L.A.. Lots of people dress up and no one has a problem with it. Interesting how things vary within regions.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Page 009

Those of you who live in a state that has an In n' Out: next time you go there or drive by, take a second to notice how many shiny luxury cars are in the drive thru.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Page 008

Most Obnoxious Tourist

I found this article to be very, very interesting. I was under the impression that people from the United States were the most obnoxious tourists, and it seems the writer felt the same way until they did the research.

This reminds me of a story that I heard from a sociology professor. He was in France(?) with his wife who was a professional volleyball player and they were living there for a little while and one of their acquaintances said that they could always tell who was an American tourist by their shoes. Apparently, many Americans wear tennis shoes when they go shopping as if they are going to the gym or something, as opposed to the local French and other Europeans who dress nicely when they go shopping.

I find that extremely amusing because it's true. When I go to a mall or somewhere, I often see people in sneakers and sweats and whatnot.
Perhaps that says something about them.

In any case, it looks like Americans are in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to tourist behavior. Not too bad I guess. And of course there's no surprise that Japanese top as #1.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Page 007

You do not wear a large hat at a concert, no matter how stylish it is or how important it is to your cosplay. Doing so makes you look like an idiot and a jackass.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Page 006

Since when were songs like 'BOOM-HAH BOOM-HAH-HAH' and 'Aho no Matsuri' songs you mosh and thrash and swarm around to?

FYI, funky cool music is meant to be danced to and enjoyed. A live performance is supposed to be something you go to see and have fun at. It is not where you climb and elbow over people just to grab at the performer(s).